Name: John
Phillip Cromwell
Rank and Branch: Captain, U.S. Navy
Place and Date: Truk Island area 19 Nov 1943
Born: 11 Sept 1901, Henry Illinois
Other Navy Awards: Legion of Merit
Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty as Commander of Submarine Coordinated Attack Group
with Flag in the USS Sculpin, during the 9th war patrol of
the vessel in enemy controlled waters off Truk Island 19 November
1943. Undertaking this patrol prior to launching our first large
scale offensive in the Pacific, Captain Cromwell, alone of the
entire task group, possessed secret intelligence information of our
submarine strategy and tactics, scheduled fleet movements and
specific attack plans. Constantly vigilant and precise in carrying
out his secret orders, he moved his underseas flotilla inexorably
forward despite savage opposition and established a line of
submarines to southeastward of the main Japanese stronghold in Truk.
Cool and undaunted as the submarine, rocked and battered by Japanese
depth charges, sustained terrific battle damage and sank to an
excessive depth, he authorized the Sculpin to surface and engage the
enemy in a gunfight, thereby providing the crew an opportunity to
abandon ship. Determined to sacrifice himself rather than risk
capture and subsequent danger of revealing plans under Japanese
torture or use of drugs, he stoically remained aboard the mortally
wounded vessel as she plunged to her death. Preserving the security
of his mission at the cost of his own life, he had served his
country as he had served the Navy, with deep integrity and an
uncompromising devotion to duty. His great moral courage in the face
of certain death adds new luster to the traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
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